If you are searching for a treat that combines comforting sweetness with juicy bursts of fruit, look no further than this wonderful Blueberry Banana Bread Recipe. It is a fantastic way to use ripe bananas and fresh blueberries, resulting in a moist, tender loaf that’s perfectly spiced and filled with natural sweetness. Whether you want a delicious breakfast, a midday snack, or an after-dinner delight, this bread brings together familiar flavors in a way that feels both classic and fresh. I guarantee once you try this recipe, it will become a household favorite you reach for time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this bread is both simple and essential. Each component plays a vital role in balancing flavors, achieving the ideal texture, and delivering that irresistible blueberry and banana harmony in every bite.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and crumb to the bread.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Provides lift to make the bread light and fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise and tenderizes the crumb.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy warmth and subtle spice.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors to perfect balance.
- 2 eggs (room temperature): Bind the ingredients and contribute richness.
- ¾ cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar/honey): Sweetens naturally while keeping moisture.
- ¼ cup coconut oil (melted): Adds tenderness and a hint of tropical flavor.
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (or plain yogurt): Keeps the bread moist and slightly tangy.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens sweetness and rounds out flavors.
- 3 ripe bananas (about 1 ¼ cups mashed): Bring natural sweetness and fantastic moisture.
- 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries: Bursting jewels that add freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Blueberry Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, the perfect temperature to bake your bread to a golden perfection. Meanwhile, grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking and make sure your bread comes out cleanly once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This step ensures that all the dry components are evenly distributed, creating a balanced flavor and even rise when baked.
Step 3: Beat the Eggs and Sugar
In another bowl, take your room-temperature eggs and brown sugar and beat them together for about one minute. This helps dissolve the sugar and incorporates air into the mixture, lending your bread a light and tender crumb.
Step 4: Blend Wet Ingredients
To the egg and sugar mixture, add the melted coconut oil, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and the mashed bananas. Mix until everything is combined into a creamy, aromatic batter that promises luscious flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread, so combining until no dry flour streaks remain is key.
Step 6: Add the Blueberries
To keep the blueberries from sinking to the bottom, toss them in a tablespoon of flour and then fold them gently into the batter. This little trick helps evenly distribute those juicy bursts throughout the bread.
Step 7: Bake Your Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Check readiness by inserting a toothpick in the middle; when it comes out clean, your beautiful blueberry banana bread is perfectly baked.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the loaf cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the bread to set up nicely and makes slicing easier, preserving that soft, moist texture inside.
How to Serve Blueberry Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your blueberry banana bread by topping slices with a light spread of butter, a drizzle of honey, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant touch that adds extra appeal.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee for breakfast or afternoon snack. You can also serve it alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a wholesome, satisfying combination.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn the bread into mini sandwiches by adding cream cheese and a few fresh blueberries between two slices. Or use it as a base for French toast to awaken those flavors in a new, exciting way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap your leftover blueberry banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, it stays fresh for up to three days, perfect for a ready-to-eat sweet treat.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully. Slice it before freezing for easy portioning, then wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. It can last for up to three months, so you always have some on hand.
Reheating
To enjoy the bread warm, reheat slices in a toaster or microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. This brings back its moist, soft texture and enhances the juicy blueberry pockets that make this bread so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries for this Blueberry Banana Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! If you use frozen blueberries, just do not thaw them before adding and coat them in flour as you would with fresh berries. This prevents the bread from becoming too wet and stained.
What if I don’t have coconut oil? Can I substitute it?
Yes, you can substitute coconut oil with melted butter or vegetable oil. Each option will slightly change the flavor profile but keep the bread moist and tender.
How ripe should my bananas be for the best flavor?
The riper the bananas, the better. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots or even mostly brown skin for maximum sweetness and soft texture that blends well into the batter.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, making sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent for the best results. The texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious.
Is it possible to reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Definitely. Since ripe bananas add natural sweetness, you can reduce the brown sugar slightly or substitute with honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that sugar also affects texture and moisture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Blueberry Banana Bread Recipe enough if you want a simple yet incredibly tasty baked good that feels like a warm hug from the oven. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again because of how well the flavors come together, the moist texture, and the happy pops of blueberries. Trust me, once you bake your first loaf, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen that friends and family will ask for repeatedly.
PrintBlueberry Banana Bread Recipe
This Blueberry Banana Bread is a moist and flavorful treat perfect for breakfast or snack time. Made with ripe bananas and fresh blueberries, it boasts a delicious balance of natural sweetness and a hint of cinnamon. It’s easy to prepare with simple ingredients and baked to golden perfection, making it a wholesome homemade bread everyone will enjoy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (see notes)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 eggs (at room temperature)
- ¾ cup brown sugar (can substitute coconut sugar or honey)
- ¼ cup coconut oil (melted)
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (or plain yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas (about 1 ¼ cups, mashed)
- 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries (coated with 1 tablespoon flour)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to warm up while preparing the batter.
- Prepare the loaf pan and dry mixture: Grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
- Beat eggs and sugar: In another bowl, beat the eggs and brown sugar together for about one minute using a hand blender or whisk until smooth.
- Add wet ingredients: To the egg and sugar mixture, add melted coconut oil, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas. Mix well until fully combined.
- Combine dry and wet mixtures: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is well incorporated without overmixing.
- Fold in blueberries: Coat the fresh blueberries lightly with a tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking, then gently fold them into the batter.
- Bake the bread: Transfer the batter into the greased loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice the banana bread and serve it warm or at room temperature for a delicious treat.
Notes
- You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or honey for a different sweetness profile.
- Coating blueberries with flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the bread.
- Make sure bananas are ripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Greek yogurt adds moisture and tenderness but plain yogurt can be used as an alternative.